MoD accused of keeping soldiers in 'condemned' barracks

Troops are being kept in barracks where 'condemned' living accommodation is so
bad it is undermining morale

The MoD’s latest survey of troops found 35 per cent of soldiers in single accommodation were not happy with it and 39 per cent said they were dissatisfied with how repairs were carried outPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

“We have made every attempt to make them bearable to live in, but their poor condition is now starting to affect the lad’s morale.”

The MoD’s latest survey of troops found 35 per cent of soldiers in single accommodation were not happy with it, and 39 per cent said they were dissatisfied with how repairs were carried out.

In 2012 the Commons defence select committee said the state of accommodation for single soldiers, sailors and airmen was “unacceptable” and attacked the MOD for being unable to say how long it would take to fix the problem.

Gen Sir Peter Wall, head of the Army, has said in the past he sympathised with soldiers’ unhappiness about living quarters and two years ago called on ministers to spend more on housing “sooner rather than later”.

The MOD said the accommodation at Somme Barracks was not condemned and said millions of pounds was being spent on renovation.

A spokesman for Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which handles the MoD's property, said: “We were aware that improvements were needed which is precisely why we have invested £1.2 million in the last three years to upgrade the facilities. This work is ongoing and only last month new boilers were installed.”